Carol ven is a lecturer and co director of undergraduate studies in the department of human evolutionary biology at harvard university. Hoven has received numerous teaching awards. Her popular hormons and behavior class was named one of the harvard crimsons top ten tried and true classes. In this conversation, we talk about her non traditional career into biological anthropology.
In episode 204, Michael Shermer speaks with codirector of undergraduate studies in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, Carole Hooven, PhD about testosterone. While most people agree that sex differences in human behavior exist, they disagree about the reasons. But the science is clear: testosterone is a potent force in human society, driving the bodies and behavior of the sexes apart. But, as Hooven shows in T, it does so in concert with genes and culture to produce a vast variety of male and female behavior. And, crucially, the fact that many sex differences are grounded in biology provides no support for restrictive gender norms or patriarchal values. In understanding testosterone, we better understand ourselves and one another — and how we might build a fairer, safer society.